Final Thoughts

We've seen 96L flash memory from two sources now, Toshiba (XG6 Preview) and Micron. Even though the XG6 comes with a model number, it's an OEM drive that ships in a number of different configurations. Because of that, we don't consider either drive to be a final retail representation of what will come to market. We do get a very good look at the silhouette. What we don't have is Samsung's Toggle4 96-layer that could upset everything with it's 1,200 MT/s bus speed.

The way the market sits right now Micron's 64-layer memory is what you want in your SSD. The flash allows the controllers to deliver exceptional random read latencies. In one generation, Micron leaped over both Toshiba and Samsung beating both at the latency game while simultaneously using CMOS-Under-Array technology to increase bit density by shrinking the footprint on the wafer.

In respect to retail products, Micron's 3rd generation TLC (96L) builds on the lead started with the 2nd generation. Even in its optimized form, the SM2262EN paired with Micron's 96L memory is already superior to the products shipping now with the previous generation technology. We've heard that 96L should enter production in the next six weeks. That would put retail announcements in line with the end of October or early November.

Our testing shows moderate, but consistent performance increases in almost every test. The performance we see now is the baseline. We can all but guarantee more increases as firmware development and customization continues.

From the evidence we've seen thus far, I'll be the first in line to buy the next generation SSDs using the SM2262EN with Micron 96L flash. The latency improvement in BAPCo SYSMark Responsiveness Test sold me.

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